Weather forecast: Hot and rainy week ahead in the south.

The Southeast and Florida are expected to experience strong to severe thunderstorms with the risk of large hail, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall that could cause flash flooding and isolated tornadoes. Excessive heat warnings and heat advisories are in effect for dozens of counties across Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The Southeast is forecast to be drenched with rain this week, with up to 8 inches expected to fall in parts of the Carolinas and the Florida Panhandle. Fire danger is at a critical stage for Arizona and New Mexico. The tropics are being monitored for possible development in the Atlantic.